Background
Kent Structures commissioned Anderson Acoustics to provide Stage 4 acoustic design advice for a £3m new extension at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham, with support during the construction stage.
The extension provides a skybridge (canopied external corridor) connecting 13 new classrooms, a drama room, meeting room and various ancillary spaces.
What we did
The primary objective was to achieve excellent acoustic performance standards, in line with Building Bulletin 93 (BB93) and other relevant guidelines so to enhance the school’s acoustic environment, ensuring optimal conditions for teaching and learning.
Acoustic Strategy
The acoustic strategy for the project was developed to address several key areas:
- Indoor Ambient Noise Levels: The design aimed to control environmental noise ingress through the building’s external fabric and ventilation strategy. This included measures to mitigate noise from building services and rain noise.
- Internal Sound Insulation: The project focused on achieving high levels of airborne and impact sound insulation within the building. This was accomplished through the use of robust partition constructions and careful detailing to control flanking sound transmission.
- Room Acoustics: The design ensured suitable reverberation times for clear communication of speech between teachers and students. Sound absorbent finishes were specified to control reverberant noise and support the teacher’s voice.
- Building Services System Noise: The project included detailed design measures to minimize noise from mechanical equipment. This involved the use of vibration isolation mounts and careful selection of ventilation and air conditioning systems.
Conclusion
The developed design demonstrated compliance with the target acoustic performance standards, and good acoustic conditions suitable for the needs of the school’s users.
Project Progress
The build was completed in November 2024 and the block successfully handed over to the School. For more information access the Kent Structures website here
